ST. LOUIS, MO  (May 14, 2026) — Mario Lee, 48, was found guilty by a St. Louis jury on Thursday of involuntary manslaughter, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm for the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Candace Horskins on Dec. 21, 2023, in the 5800 block of Kennerly Avenue in the City’s Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

On the evening of Dec. 21, 2023, officers responded to a report of a shooting at 5864 Kennerly Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located Horskins suffering from a gunshot wound. She was later pronounced deceased.

Investigators learned that a 54-year-old female resident returned to her home that evening and discovered Lee and Horskins inside her residence without permission. The witness, who knew Lee well, told investigators that both individuals had unlawfully entered her home. She reported hearing a gunshot from upstairs moments later. According to her testimony, Lee then came downstairs, told her Horskins was dead, and fled the residence. Ring doorbell footage introduced at trial corroborated the witness’s account of events.

“An act of senseless violence took Candace Horskins’ life. One witness’s courage provided the evidence necessary for us to hold the defendant accountable for taking Ms. Horskins life,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “When those who witness acts of violence have the courage to come forward, it enables us to obtain a measure of justice for victims and provide a higher level of public safety for the St. Louis community.”

Violent Crime Unit Deputy Supervisor Grant Simon, Assistant Circuit Attorneys Nicholas Hirst, and Andrew Bennett prosecuted the case.

Lee has five prior felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon, and stealing a motor vehicle. He faces up to 40 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2026.

Chief of Homicide Tanja Engelhardt and Assistant Circuit Attorneys Andrew Costello and Blake Harting prosecuted the case.

The defendant’s case number is 2622-CR00337-01